10 Fall Festivals to Attend in Maryland (2021)
The cooler temperatures and lower humidity make Autumn a wonderful time of year to get outside in Maryland. This is probably why there are so many amazing outdoor events in the area every fall. Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin patch, craft fair, apple picking adventure, or delicious food and drink, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 fall festivals in Maryland to attend this year.
Fall Festivals in Maryland
1. Catoctin Colorfest
Thurmont Community Park
Thurmont, MD
October 9-October 10, 2021
Thurmont, MD is home to Catoctin Colorfest during the second full weekend in October. Established almost 60 years ago, this western Maryland tradition has evolved into one of the largest outdoor craft shows on the east coast. In addition to roughly 300 artisans, you’ll find many delicious local food vendors, a beer garden, and of course the gorgeous fall colors for which Thurmont is so well known.
Festival hours are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days, but you may consider arriving a little bit early to grab a parking space and hop on the shuttle to the Community Park. The shuttle service runs from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. View the parking map for parking and shuttle locations around the festival grounds.
2. Darlington Apple Festival
MD Route 161 and Shuresville Road
Darlington, MD
October 2, 2021
Darlington has always been home to a community spirit like no other, so it wasn’t surprising that the first Darlington Apple Festival, held in 1986, was enthusiastically received by the locals. The festival continues to grow each year and has become a celebration of the character and pride of the Darlington community.
Is your apple pie recipe to die for? Enter the festival’s Apple Pie Contest! If concerts are your thing, bring a blanket or lawn chair an enjoy the live music all weekend long. Enter the Cornhole Tournament for some friendly fall competition. Or simply spend your day perusing the booths of nearly 200 local artisans and national vendors. Of all the fall festivals in Maryland, you’ll want to put this one at the top of your list!
3. Brunswick Railroad Days
1 W. Potomac Street
Brunswick, MD
October 2 – October 3, 2021
Railroad Days is a different kind of fall festival in Maryland. Brunswick is a quaint town located in Frederick County, just along the B&O Railroad, so in addition to celebrating the area’s gorgeous autumn weather and colors, this festival honors all things railroad. Railroad Days takes place the first full weekend in October every year and has activities for children of all ages. You’ll find train rides, exhibits, food, drinks, music, games, crafts, and so much more. The event goes on rain or shine, so don’t hesitate to head out to Brunswick for one of the best fall festivals in Maryland this weekend!
4. Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival
22222 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD
September 25 – October 31, 2021
This is a must for anyone who wants the full fall festival experience. With everything from pumpkin picking to hayrides to a classic corn maze, Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival has it all. The kids can play in the hayloft or swoop down the giant slides while grown-ups grab a bite at the Farmer’s Porch Kitchen!
Advance tickets start at just $10/person and the price of admission includes access to everything listed above plus jump pads, live music, a petting zoo, straw maze, corn hole games, even a tractor pull! Pony rides, a shot at the pumpkin cannon, and face painting are also available for a small charge. Don’t forget to stop by the Farm Market to grab some fresh produce, baked goods, or fall flowers on your way out.
5. Summers Farm Fall Festival
5620 Butterfly Lane
Frederick, MD
September 18 – October 31, 2021
Scenic wagon rides? Check. Famous corn Maze? Check. PYO pumpkin patch? Check. With over 45 fall activities, the Summers Farm Fall Festival is the perfect way to spend an Autumn weekend in Maryland.
This fall festival is unique, as it continues after the sun goes down. As a bonus, every Friday and Saturday night in October features a fireworks display which you can enjoy with your favorite friends from the comfort of your very own campfire site. (Reservations required.)
Head to Summers Farm on October 2nd and 3rd for their famous pumpkin event which celebrates all things pumpkin. Enjoy carving demonstrations, pumpkin painting, pumpkin food and drink, and even a pumpkin hunt (think egg hunt, but a little larger and very orange) for the kids.
6. Weber’s Farm Fall Harvest Days
2526 Proctor Lane
Parkville, MD
September 18 – November 7, 2021
Visit the barnyard at Weber’s Farm for a one-of-a-kind fall festival in Maryland today! While Fall Harvest Days are seven days per week and include hayrides, straw mazes, farm animals, and train rides, weekends bring a little extra fun. Saturdays and Sundays include food trucks, kettle corn and caramel apples, live music, caricatures, and much, much more!
Weber’s is also known locally for their fresh apple cider, so make sure you enjoy a glass while you’re there, and maybe even grab a gallon or two to bring home.
7. Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest
5501 Detrick Road
Mount Airy, MD
September 3 – October 31, 2021
Gaver Farm is home to 60 attractions for kids of all ages, and Fall Fun Fest is the perfect opportunity to experience every one of them. Hop a hayride to the alpaca house for a meet and greet, or swing into the barnyard and say hello to the sweet Donkey, George, who loves to watch over all of his other barnyard companions. Weekends bring with them the chance to pick your own apples and of course enjoy fresh cider donuts!
Gaver Farm has over 12 acres of pumpkins to pick from, as well as traditional and novelty carving pumpkins for sale. And make sure to save time for a stop at the Farm Market before you head home, where you’ll find seasonal fruits and veggies, jams, fall home décor, farm apparel, and more. Get your tickets for Gaver Farm’s Fall Fun Fest here.
8. Montpelier Farms Fall Festival
1720 Crain Highway North
Upper Marlboro, MD
September 18 – November 7, 2021
With a desire to “put smiles on children’s faces as well as make family traditions and wonderful memories,” Mike and Adrianne Dunn opened Montpelier Farms in 2008. In the beginning, the only attractions on the farm were a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and hayrides. But today, Fall Festival visitors can find everything from bonfires, to a pedal cart track, even daily movie screenings.
The $12.00 admission fee gives you access to a pick-your-own pumpkin patch (purchase pumpkins separately), mazes galore, hayrides, barn animals, playgrounds, hill slides, pumpkin bowling, and barnyard basketball. Additional activities such as duck races, paint a pumpkin, gem mining, and pumpkin chunkin start at just $2 each.
9. Winterbrook Farms Fall Festival Moonlit Maze
13001 Creagerstown Road
Thurmont, MD
October 2, 2021, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Winterbrook Farms is a 4th generation family farm that has been hosting fall festivals for over 20 years. Like many of the farms on our list, the festival runs all season long. But Winterbrook is also offering something a little different this year.
Head to the Moonlit Maze Event on October 2nd, where you can challenge your friends to complete Maryland’s largest corn maze – with 5 miles of trails – in the dark! BYOF (bring you own flashlight). Once you’ve found your way out of the maze, kick back and listen to 5.5 Men who will be playing hit music all night long. Regular Fall Festival activities such as mountain slides, apple cannons, farm animals, and the giant pumpkin jumping pillow will be open all evening long.
10. Autumn Glory Festival
Oakland, MD
October 13 – October 17, 2021
There are so many options for fall festivals in Maryland that you may find your calendar on overload. The great news is that we saved the best for last, and this one doesn’t interfere with any of the other fall festivals in Maryland this weekend. The Autumn Glory Festival is an annual five-day celebration of the colorful foliage which blankets the rolling hills of Garrett County every fall. The festival kicks into high gear with a dinner, reception, parade, and Oktoberfest on October 14th. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday include an arts and crafts show, farmer’s market, Tournament of the Bands, Pumpkin Chuckin’ competition, and car show.
Truly, the list of events at the Autumn Glory Festival seems endless. You may want to browse the festival’s online brochure before deciding where to spend your time. We promise, however, that you won’t be disappointed if you finish off the weekend with a stunning fall foliage driving tour.
Stay at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve During Your Visit to Maryland Fall Festivals
If you’re traveling for one of the famous fall festivals in Maryland, you’ll need a place to stay! Whether you’re flying or driving, we’ve got you covered. The Hotel at Arundel Preserve is conveniently located in close to BWI airport as well as most major Maryland roadways. The accommodations won’t let you down either. Our luxuriously appointed guest rooms and personalized service will have you returning to visit the best fall festivals in Maryland for years to come.
